Under-18s: Wanderers 3-0 Blackburn

Tom Youngs' brace either side of an Elliot Newby strike ensures impressive run of form continues

The Under-18s continued their impressive start to the season on Saturday after comprehensively beating Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers 3-0 at the Lostock academy.

Tom Youngs netted a brace either side of Elliott Newby’s strike, ensuring that David Lee and Tony Kelly’s scholars have now collected ten points from the 12 that have been available during the first four matches on the campaign.

After creating several decent openings to break the deadlock, Youngs put Wanderers in front with a brilliant 25-yard volley 20 minutes into the game.

Wanderers continued to dominate after half-time and duly doubled their lead on the hour mark when Newby scored from a tight angle after being released by Luke Woodland.

The third and final goal was scored by Youngs on 70 minutes who reaped the benefits of good pressing play from the Wanderers attackers.

Intercepting a pass 18 yards out, he embarked on a run towards goal before delicately chipping the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net.

Head coach Lee said: “This was a local derby with plenty at stake. Two players, Gibson and Bailey, were both released early in their careers from Blackburn and both played really well and enjoyed the team’s well-earned win.

“The first half was demanding with us having to work hard off the ball to stop Blackburn breaking us down, but all the players stuck to their task and did it well.

“We went into half-time with a 1-0 lead and then dominated further in the second half. As pleasing as it was to score the goals, I was also delighted with the clean sheet.

“Overall it was a good, solid performance with the individual performances being of an excellent standard.”